South Africa
Tech-savvy, versatile and accomplished Senior Software & Data Consultant | Cloud-Native Architect | BI & Analytics Engineer with 20+ years of experience designing, developing, and leading data and software systems across international organizations, government ministries, and private sector enterprises. Recognized for driving innovation and digital transformation in data-driven health systems, enterprise platforms, and cloud-native architectures. Skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, engaging high-level international stakeholders, and delivering scalable, secure, and interoperable solutions that improve performance and decision-making. Expert in full-stack development, relational and NoSQL databases, cloud infrastructure (AWS), ETL/ELT pipelines, data warehousing, and advanced analytics using tools like Tableau, Power BI, Pyramid Analytics, Python, SQL, and PHP. Adept at guiding organisations through information systems modernisation, interoperability strategy (FHIR, HL7), data governance, and cross-sector data integration. A strategic leader passionate about converting data into actionable intelligence through automation, AI/ML, and modern BI platforms to enable smart, resilient systems across diverse sectors. Experienced in implementing and supporting systems aligned with ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 42001:2023 standards across multiple projects to ensure quality, security, and governance in enterprise and AI-driven platforms.
Led the design and deployment of digital surveillance, analytics, and monitoring systems for high-impact health programs across sub-Saharan Africa, accelerating digital transformation aligned with national HIS strategies and PEPFAR priorities. Specialized in cloud-native data engineering, interoperability, and analytics, delivering scalable and secure systems for USAID, CDC, and Ministries of Health. Architected and deployed modern data pipelines using AWS (Redshift, S3, Lambda) and Python-based ETL/ELT to power real-time dashboards and self-service analytics platforms (Power BI, Pyramid). Built data warehouses and data marts to integrate siloed systems, support automated reporting, and enable advanced analysis of patient-level and programmatic data. Led interoperability work using HL7 FHIR, ISO/IEC standards, and custom APIs to unify data across national systems and partner platforms. Directed DevSecOps pipelines (Terraform, GitHub Actions, Docker, Kubernetes) to automate deployment and ensure resilience, security, and scalability. Advanced the use of analytics and data science (EDA, R/Python) to generate insights driving PEPFAR programming decisions, resource allocation, and partner coordination. Delivered HIS maturity assessments (SOCI), costed improvement plans, and governance frameworks, and led data-driven reports like the Namibia Health Statistical Report and TB DIAH STEP plans. Contributor to JSI’s open source Drupal modules (Charts, ECharts) and internal data tools. Delivered CRM-based digital health solutions during COVID-19 to ensure service continuity, real-time monitoring, and automated workflows for VMMC.
Provided technical leadership in the end-to-end development of the DREAMS Monitoring & Evaluation Reporting System, enhancing health outcomes for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) across multiple South African districts. Led the full-stack design, development, and integration of the M&E system, aligning with USAID's DREAMS initiative. Engineered backend and database infrastructure to support seamless data exchange with platforms like DATIM and PROMIS, ensuring real-time, multi-partner data visibility. Designed and implemented data pipelines and reporting layers using SQL, Python (Pandas, Seaborn, Plotly), and R (ggplot2, dplyr) to enable deep-dive analytics, predictive modeling, and evidence-based decision-making. Translated high-volume programmatic data into actionable insights that directly informed program refinement and resource allocation. Built interactive BI dashboards in Power BI, Tableau, and Excel to communicate impact metrics across stakeholder levels—from local implementers to national policymakers. Facilitated multi-stakeholder alignment and governance on the M&E framework, engaging national government, USAID, and NGOs to ensure coordinated implementation and sustainability. Delivered capacity-building workshops on M&E principles, data literacy, and system use. Authored user documentation and technical guides to support institutional knowledge transfer and long-term system maintenance. This role deepened my expertise in health informatics, scalable data systems, and stakeholder coordination across the public health ecosystem.
Directed the PIMS project, a national M&E platform funded by PEPFAR to enhance performance tracking, data quality, and system integration across USG agencies, implementing partners, and the South African Department of Health. Led the system’s end-to-end architecture and development lifecycle—designing backend and frontend components, optimizing databases, and building secure ETL pipelines and APIs to integrate datasets from diverse health information systems. Aligned platform design with PEPFAR MER indicators, local HIS standards, and ISO/IEC 27001 security protocols, ensuring high data integrity and compliance. Implemented agile SDLC practices, Git-based version control, and CI/CD pipelines to support rapid iteration and scalable deployments. Ensured 99%+ system uptime via proactive DevOps, real-time monitoring, and hybrid (local/cloud) hosting strategies. Played a key coordination role between PEPFAR agencies (USAID, CDC, DoD), South Africa’s National and Provincial Departments of Health, and a network of implementing partners. Drove stakeholder alignment through structured engagement—technical working groups, steering committees, and joint reporting forums—ensuring the system remained relevant, technically feasible, and policy-aligned. Mentored a multidisciplinary dev team, enforcing best practices in clean code, documentation, and user-centered design. Led national training programs to institutionalize system use and promote data-driven decision-making at all levels. This role deepened my technical leadership in M&E platforms, stakeholder governance, and data engineering for high-impact public health systems.
Designed and implemented web-based OSS, billing, and home automation platforms for telecom and media clients, specializing in LAMP-stack development and secure, high-availability system integration. Developed full-stack applications using PHP (Zend), MySQL, and JavaScript (AJAX/jQuery), powering customer portals, media management systems, and backend automation tools. Integrated CRM and billing platforms with secure, automated bank file processing and reconciliation workflows, streamlining subscription management and usage tracking. Engineered middleware logic and scheduled data synchronization jobs (cron/daemon scripts), supporting seamless provisioning and real-time service delivery. Optimized relational databases and backend systems for scalability and fault tolerance. Managed Linux environments, including deployment automation, system monitoring, and performance tuning. Delivered responsive, dynamic user interfaces for end users and admin panels, contributing to early IPTV and VoD ecosystems. Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure secure coding, efficient QA, and on-time releases.
Progressed from Webmaster/Developer to Senior Applications Developer and System Administrator, playing a key role in digitizing ZBC’s media systems, IT infrastructure, and online platforms. Led the broadcaster’s digital transformation - spearheading the shift from analog to digital broadcasting technology. This included modernizing workflows, implementing digital content systems, and supporting the rollout of digital transmission infrastructure across the organization. Developed and maintained an in-house CMS for the ZBC News Web Portal, enabling real-time editorial content management with improved reliability and data integrity. Designed and deployed SMS and email marketing platforms integrated with gateway networks (Ozeki, HTTP APIs), expanding audience engagement and supporting digital content delivery. Led the development of SMS-based applications and public engagement campaigns using USSD codes, enhancing interactive programming and citizen participation. Managed multi-platform IT infrastructure across Linux and Windows environments, including DNS, mail servers, proxy/firewall security, and SAN storage systems. Led training and mentorship of junior developers and content managers, fostering a culture of technical growth and operational excellence. Initiated and maintained comprehensive web portal backup and recovery strategies to ensure business continuity and high system availability. This role formed the foundation of my career in enterprise software engineering and systems administration - combining infrastructure, development, and digital media to support critical public broadcasting operations.